UKBFTOG Announce LIVING THE DREAM Exhibition
Thursday 9 March 2023 – 7 May 2023
FUJIFILM House Of Photography, 8-9 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LH
UK Black Female Photographers- UKBFTOG proudly presents Living the Dream, a group exhibition of a vibrant and diverse community. The showcase celebrates culture, creativity, and womanhood through the lens of Black female photographers and is generously supported by FUJIFILM UK.
Featured artists: Aicha Thomas, Amaani Oluwa, Angella Mofondo, Annette Turner, April Alexander, Ashleigh Willer, Ayọbami Elegunde , Bethany Peters, Blanche Nicholas, Bonnie Paul, Boudoir by la, Celina Mervine, Chantelle Parson, Dominique Nok, Elizabeth Okoh, Funmi Akingbe, Gifty Dzenyo, Hasna Tayyar, Jade Reynolds-Hemmings, Jemella Ukeagbu, Jo Sealy, Joanne Appiah, Jumi Popoola, Kai Campbell, Keisha George, Kevanna Etten, Kimberly Saddler, Kudzai, Laura Rose, Liliana Séca Santos, Mariochukwu Washington-Ihieme, Margaret Hanson-Omani, Maria Oyeniyi, Marlene Landu, Monika Mabiki, Morlene Fisher, Musa Bwanali, Naomi St Juste, Naomi Williams, Rachel Blake, Rebecca Orleans, Rele James, Sahara Ashanti, Samaria Ofuasia, Shade O. Thompson, Shani Weekes, Sophia Loren, Tessa Lwanga, Tianna J Williams, Tobi Sobowale, Violeta Sofia.
Curated by Dominique Nok
For centuries women gather to care, defend, and support each other to freely become the best version of themselves. While continuing to strive for fairness and equality UKBFTOG members also recognise they are their “ancestors’ wildest dreams”. In Living the Dream, 51 artists present various genres covering topics such as identity and heritage as well as conceptual photography. With the display, the imagemakers seek to stimulate next generations and to pay tribute to inspirational women, and supportive men, from past and present. Visitors are invited to enter the gallery space with an open mind envisioning their own dreams whilst engaging with the artists’ boldly captured images. They are also welcomed to attend and to take part in the events offered in response to Living the Dream.
The McKenzie Heritage Collection generously offered several archival pieces on loan that will also grace the Living the Dream exhibition. Drawing parallels between the past and the present, socially conditioned biases can be challenged. Through the display of Black life in Britain back then, juxtaposed with life in Britain through the lens of UKBFTOG members, inextricable connections will be highlighted and commemorated.
The UKBFTOG community accommodates amateur and professional UK based Black female photographers from all levels. Founded by Jemella Ukaegbu in 2017, the group connects members who are specialised in a variety of photography genres. They offer the photographers, coming from different backgrounds, support and opportunities from learning and development activities to (assisting) at photography commissions, studio meetups, photo walks and public group exhibitions. The community has award winning and published photographers as well as frequent speakers, photography judges, writers, and educators.
Special thanks to FUJIFILM UK, Jemella Ukaegbu, LA Creativity, Rele James, Sophia Nevaeh, Gordon Mills (FUJIFILM UK), Digitalab and the McKenzie Heritage Collection for their contributions toward the making of this exhibition.
Visit Living the Dream at FUJIFILM House of Photography 8-9 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LH.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.” Harriet Ross Tubman
“For me dreaming equals freedom, a place where anything can happen. Sometimes they float in my unconsciousness or somewhere in between. And sometimes the dreams are as clear as day. With this exhibition, together with the UKBFTOG community, I aspire to make visible what we once dreamt and became reality and to consciously acknowledge these accomplishments. Understanding that some dreams are triggered by what we see, I believe that role-models from the Global Majority are vital for imagining a specific future. Therefore, I am extremely excited to showcase the images of 51 emerging, mid-career and professional photographers at FUJIFILM House of Photography.” Dominique Nok, Curator.
